Table of Contents
An overview of the Vietnam eVisa system, including eligibility requirements, official processing fees, maximum stay duration, and the application procedure.
What Is the Vietnam eVisa?
The Vietnam Electronic Visa (eVisa) is a digital travel authorization that allows foreign nationals to enter Vietnam for tourism, business, or family visits. It was introduced in February 2017 as a pilot program and has since been expanded into a full, permanent system.
Unlike traditional visas that require a visit to an embassy, the eVisa application process is conducted entirely online. Upon approval, applicants receive a PDF document via email, which must be printed and presented to immigration officers. No preliminary passport stamps are required prior to travel.
Who Can Apply for a Vietnam eVisa?
As of August 2023, the Vietnam eVisa is available to citizens of ALL countries and territories worldwide. This was a major policy change — previously, only citizens of 80 designated countries were eligible.
This means that citizens of all countries and territories may apply for a Vietnam eVisa online. Exceptions apply only to holders of specific restricted passport types, such as certain emergency travel documents.
Effective August 2023, the eVisa program is open to all nationalities. The previous restricted list of eligible countries is no longer applicable.
eVisa Types & Costs
Vietnam offers two eVisa options, both valid for up to 90 days:
| Feature | Single Entry eVisa | Multiple Entry eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Government fee | $25 USD | $50 USD |
| Maximum stay | 90 days | 90 days per entry |
| Number of entries | One entry only | Unlimited within validity |
| Best for | One-way trips | Multi-country itineraries |
| Processing time | 3-5 working days | 3-5 working days |
| Extendable? | No | No |
Key Features of the eVisa
The eVisa provides the following standardized features for international travelers:
- 100% online — no embassy visit, no mailing your passport
- Available to ALL nationalities worldwide
- Up to 90 days stay — longer than visa-free entry (45 days max)
- Multiple entry option for flexible travel
- Fast processing: 3-5 working days standard
- Accepted at all 83 international checkpoints
- Affordable: just $25 for single entry
Comparison with Alternative Entry Methods
The following table compares the eVisa with other standard entry authorizations for Vietnam:
| Feature | eVisa | Visa-Free | Embassy Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max stay | 90 days | 14-45 days | Up to 12 months |
| Cost | $25-$50 | Free | $50-$200+ |
| Who qualifies | All nationalities | 25 countries only | All nationalities |
| Apply online? | Yes | N/A | No (in-person) |
| Processing | 3 days | Instant | 5-10 days |
| Multiple entry? | Yes ($50) | No | Yes (varies) |
Required Documents
The following documents are required to submit a Vietnam eVisa application:
- Passport valid for ≥ 6 months from your entry date, with ≥ 2 blank pages
- Digital scan of your passport data page (clear, color, JPEG/PNG, under 2MB)
- Recent passport-style photo: 4x6cm, white background, JPEG, under 2MB
- Working email address to receive your approved eVisa
- Credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Amex) for payment
- Planned travel dates and intended entry port
Where Can You Enter with an eVisa?
The Vietnam eVisa is accepted at 83 designated international checkpoints, including international airports, land border crossings, and seaports.
You must specify your intended entry port when applying. While some flexibility exists at major airports, it's safest to enter through the port listed on your eVisa.
Program Restrictions
Applicants must be aware of the following regulatory limitations associated with the eVisa:
- Cannot be extended inside Vietnam — you must leave and apply for a new one
- Does not permit employment — a separate work permit is required
- Non-refundable fee, even if your application is rejected
- Must be printed — digital copies are not always accepted at immigration
- Cannot be converted to another visa type while in Vietnam
If you need to stay longer than 90 days or plan to work in Vietnam, the eVisa is not sufficient. Consider a business visa (DN) or work visa (LD) instead.
To initiate an application, proceed to the Vietnam eVisa application form. For comprehensive details, review the Vietnam eVisa requirements or the official list of approved entry ports.
The official government portals for the Vietnam eVisa are evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn and dichvucong.bocongan.gov.vn. Applications submitted through commercial third-party agencies (including this site) will incur additional processing fees.